The beloved residents of Skeldale House are preparing for their first peacetime Christmas, and fans of the hit PBS drama will want to mark their calendars for the season finale. All Creatures Great and Small Season 6 Episode 7, titled “Comfort and Joy,” is scheduled to air on Sunday, February 22, 2026 at 9/8c on PBS . This festive episode brings the sixth season to a close with a holiday celebration that promises plenty of warmth, community spirit, and the gentle drama viewers have come to love.
The episode arrives as part of the show’s seventh-episode season, which began airing in January 2026. For those watching on this side of the pond, the US broadcast follows the UK premiere, which happened on Channel 5 back in September 2025 .
When and Where to Watch Episode 7
American viewers can catch “Comfort and Joy” on their local PBS station beginning at 9 p.m. Eastern Time on February 22. The episode will also be available for streaming on the PBS app and through the PBS Masterpiece channel on Prime Video shortly after its broadcast premiere .
For viewers in the United Kingdom, the episode has already aired. It was part of the original Season 6 rollout on Channel 5, which began in September 2025 . Canadian audiences can typically access the series through CBC Gem or the CBC television network, often following the US broadcast schedule closely. Australian viewers usually find the series on streaming platforms like Stan or ABC iview, though release dates may vary slightly from the US schedule.
What Happens in “Comfort and Joy”
Set during Christmas 1945, this episode marks the first holiday season since the end of the war, and the residents of Darrowby are ready to celebrate . According to PBS and Channel 5 synopses, the episode finds Helen Herriot (Rachel Shenton) feeling unwell, which leaves James (Nicholas Ralph) juggling multiple responsibilities .
While caring for his wife and managing his veterinary duties, James must also step in to take charge of the village Nativity play. This community event becomes a central focus of the episode, bringing the townspeople together in true Darrowby fashion . Meanwhile, Siegfried Farnon (Samuel West) has another run-in with Hilda the goat, a recurring character who always seems to bring out Siegfried’s more chaotic side .
Adding to the drama, an old flame returns to Darrowby. While specific details about whose former love interest appears remain under wraps, this development promises to stir up emotions just in time for the holidays . Tristan Farnon (Callum Woodhouse) also realizes he has forgotten something important, though the show is keeping that detail quiet for now .
The Season 6 Journey So Far
To understand where the characters are by Episode 7, it helps to look at the season’s trajectory. Season 6 picks up in May 1945 as victory in Europe is declared . The Skeldale family is scattered at the season’s start—James and Helen are living at Heston Grange farm, Tristan is serving overseas, Mrs. Hall is away, and Siegfried is struggling to manage on his own .
Throughout the season, viewers have watched the characters navigate the challenges of postwar life. Mrs. Hall (Anna Madeley) helped plan VJ Day celebrations in Episode 6, while Tristan leaned on his brother as his war experiences came back to haunt him . The season has balanced new veterinary cases with the characters’ personal growth, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Yorkshire Dales.
The Cast Returning for the Finale
The core cast remains intact for Episode 7. Nicholas Ralph continues his breakout role as James Herriot, the gentle veterinarian whose love for animals and community defines the series. Rachel Shenton returns as Helen, James’s wife, who has grown from a farmer’s daughter into a capable partner managing family life .
Samuel West brings his usual blend of bluster and vulnerability to Siegfried Farnon, the practice owner whose gruff exterior hides a caring heart. Anna Madeley is back as Mrs. Hall, the housekeeper who keeps Skeldale House running smoothly. Callum Woodhouse returns as Tristan Farnon, Siegfried’s younger brother, whose wartime service has matured him in unexpected ways .
Patricia Hodge also appears as Mrs. Pumphrey, the wealthy dog owner whose pampered Pekingese, Tricki-Woo, remains a fan favorite. James Anthony-Rose plays Richard Carmody, the young veterinary student who joined the practice in previous seasons.
The Christmas Special as a Tradition
“Comfort and Joy” continues the show’s tradition of holiday episodes that blend the everyday challenges of veterinary practice with the warmth of community celebrations. Previous Christmas specials have become highlights of the series, offering viewers a chance to spend the holidays with characters who feel like old friends.
The title “Comfort and Joy” itself evokes the classic Christmas carol “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen,” which promises “tidings of comfort and joy.” Given the show’s setting in postwar 1945, these themes carry extra weight—the characters have endured years of uncertainty and separation, and this Christmas represents hope for a peaceful future.
Streaming Options for US Viewers
For viewers who prefer streaming, PBS offers multiple ways to watch. The PBS app is available on most devices, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and streaming players like Roku and Apple TV. Episodes typically become available for streaming after their broadcast premiere .
PBS Passport, a member benefit for those who contribute to their local PBS station at a certain level, offers early access to episodes and the full library of past seasons. Amazon Prime subscribers can also access the series through the PBS Masterpiece channel add-on .
What Makes This Episode Significant
Episode 7 serves as both a season finale and a holiday special, giving it double the emotional weight. The postwar setting allows the writers to explore how the characters are rebuilding their lives after years of conflict. For James and Helen, raising their young family during this time of transition presents both challenges and joys.
The return of an old flame adds romantic tension just as the community gathers for Christmas. This plot device, familiar to fans of period dramas, promises to test relationships and perhaps clear the air before the season ends.
Meanwhile, Siegfried’s ongoing battles with Hilda the goat provide comic relief. These animal-related subplots have always been a strength of the series, reminding viewers that veterinary practice in the 1940s involved plenty of unpredictable moments.
The Future Beyond Season 6
Fans worried about saying goodbye to Darrowby can breathe easy. Channel 5 and PBS Masterpiece have confirmed that All Creatures Great and Small will return for Seasons 7 and 8 . The double commission ensures that viewers will have more adventures with the Skeldale family for years to come.
Each new season will continue the format of six hour-long episodes plus Christmas specials . The show remains Channel 5’s most successful drama series to date, with Season 5 reaching 6.2 million viewers. During its broadcast, the series consistently ranks as the number one channel in its time slot .
The cast shared the renewal news in a charming behind-the-scenes video posted on social media, showing Nicholas Ralph, Rachel Shenton, Samuel West, Anna Madeley, and Callum Woodhouse passing a card to each other from different locations before revealing the commission .
Why Viewers Keep Coming Back
The enduring popularity of All Creatures Great and Small stems from its gentle approach to storytelling. Based on the beloved books by James Herriot (the pen name of real-life Thirsk vet Alf Wight), the series offers an escape to a simpler time . The Yorkshire Dales setting provides breathtaking scenery, while the animal cases offer variety and often humor.
The show’s commitment to authenticity extends to its source material. The Wight family—Herriot’s children, Jim Wight and Rosie Page—approve the storylines, ensuring the adaptations remain true to their father’s vision . This connection to the real James Herriot gives the series a legitimacy that fans appreciate.
The characters themselves drive the show’s success. James embodies quiet decency, Helen represents strength and practicality, Siegfried combines authority with vulnerability, and Tristan provides youthful energy and occasional mischief. Mrs. Hall anchors them all with her wisdom and steady presence.
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Final Episode Details to Remember
For those planning to watch “Comfort and Joy,” here are the key details:
- Episode Title: Comfort and Joy
- Season: 6, Episode 7
- US Air Date: Sunday, February 22, 2026
- US Air Time: 9:00 p.m. ET/8:00 p.m. CT
- Network: PBS (check local listings)
- Streaming: PBS app, PBS Passport, PBS Masterpiece on Prime Video
- Run Time: Approximately 58 minutes
The episode brings Season 6 to a close on a note of hope and community. With James managing the Nativity play while Helen recovers, Siegfried facing off with a troublesome goat, and an old flame stirring up memories, the finale promises all the warmth viewers expect from this beloved series.
And with two more seasons already confirmed, the residents of Skeldale House will be welcoming viewers back to the Yorkshire Dales for many more visits to come.
Also Read: “He Lives On in the Show”: How ‘Dark Winds’ Honors Robert Redford’s Legacy in Season 4
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